Resources

COVID-19 NOTICE: Throughout the pandemic, our firm is safeguarding our clients’ health as we handle civil lawsuits, legal matters, and the urgent need to mitigate risks related to the coronavirus. We continue to conduct highly effective court proceedings, mediation, and client consultations – virtually – for legal matters made more complex by the coronavirus, including high-stakes litigation involving commercial, financial, insurance, personal injury, and family matters including divorce, property division, and custody.

COVID-19 Government Resources

• CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act)
• Texas Governor Abbott Emergency Declarations
• Supreme Court of Texas Fifteenth Emergency Order Regarding Texas State of Disaster - Eviction proceedings resumed as of May 26, 2020. Warnings may be posted and writs of possession may be executed.
• Supreme Court of Texas Sixteenth Emergency Order Regarding Texas State of Disaster - Concerns the collection of consumer debt, garnishment, turnovers, and more.
• Dallas County coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and information in English and Spanish
• Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) information for businesses and employers
• Dallas County Health and Safety Policy - Legal Resources for Businesses

COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

• How COVID spreads
• CDC Public Service Announcements

Texas Courts Coronavirus Information

• Guidance for court personnel and the public about courtroom operations in Texas during the pandemic, types of cases considered essential proceedings, and directory of courtroom live streams
• Most Texas essential and non-essential proceedings are being conducted virtually (except for jury trials). Essential proceedings are matters such as criminal magistration, CPS removal and adversary hearings, temporary restraining orders, temporary injunctions, juvenile detention hearings, family violence and other protective orders.

Free Legal Resources in Texas

The Texas State Bar offers some guidance for those who can’t afford an attorney or have questions about legal services.

• State Bar of Texas "Can't Afford a Lawyer?" - Resources for Texans who are looking for lower-cost civil legal services in their area.
• TexasLawHelp.org - Free information online for low-income Texans with legal questions.
• Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans (TLTV) - The State Bar of Texas provides downloadable information, links to TLTV free legal aid clinics, and other resources especially for veterans.
• Legal Aid of Northwest Texas - Free information for low-income Texans with family law, protective order, and self-help legal forms.

Dallas County State Courts

• Texas Fifth Court of Appeals
• Dallas County Online Records Search
• Smart Search - Dallas County, Texas Courts Portal
• County and District Courts – Dallas County
• Dallas County District Clerk & Family Records Desk
• Courts of Dallas County, Texas
• The George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building and New Tower

Collin County State Courts

• Collin County Clerk and list of County Courts at Law
• Collin County District Courts
• Collin County Online Records Search
• Harris County Courts
• Tarrant County Courts
• Rockwall County Courts
• Denton County Courts

Federal Courts

• Northern District of Texas
• Eastern District of Texas
• Western District of Texas
• Southern District of Texas
• United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

Helpful Links

• Secretary of State of Texas – Corporation Search
• Securities and Exchange Commission
• Federal Trade Commission
• Commodities Futures Trading Commission
• Center for Disease Control – Intimate Partner Violence

Board Certification

When selecting a lawyer, board certification can be an important consideration. Fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys have achieved board certification in a specialized area of law.

• Texas Board of Legal Specialization
• Certification in Civil Trial Law

Bar Associations

Attorneys who are currently licensed to practice in Texas will be listed on the State Bar of Texas directory. If an attorney has been sanctioned in the past 10 years, their profile will display disciplinary information.

• State Bar of Texas
• Dallas County Bar Association
• Collin County Bar Association

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